Ethanol Officials and Drivers Weigh in on Fuel Prices, Corn Prices

By: Laura Berry Email

Updated: Mon 7:34 AM, Aug 13, 2012

Most drivers tend to go for the least amount of pain at the pump. But some worry that fewer corn crops could lead to less available ethanol and higher prices for the hybrid product.

"It keeps getting more expensive. We can barely afford it as it is. I don't know what we're going to do if it keeps going up," said Val Blinde of Lincoln.

Some ranchers trying to stay afloat amid soaring feed costs due to the drought are demanding that the EPA waive production requirements for ethanol. President Obama said in a press conference that he sees no need for a waiver. Todd Sneller of the Nebraska Ethanol Board says that's good news for both ethanol producers and drivers like Blinde.

Those in the livestock industry argue that at a time when supplies are precarious, the large share of the corn crop going to ethanol production is driving up prices and driving them out of business.

Leaving those who make their livelihood from livestock like Justin Haun's family concerned that there might not be enough corn to go around.

"Livestock is our main business so we buy a lot of corn but we also produce corn, so it's going to be more expensive to feed our cattle" said Haun.

Sneller says a by-product of ethanol called Distiller's Feed helps to maximize use of the available corn, while drivers like Blinde say they're just hoping they won't get hit harder in the pocketbook.

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